Fluid container

ABSTRACT

A biodegradable and compostable container for fluids achieves an environmentally friendly look and feel by minimizing the amount of bioplastic component parts that are visible and by maximizing the visibility of component parts made of water-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable material(s). The container includes one or more bioplastic junction pieces that are shaped and positioned to line and seal seams between container wall(s) and a base of the container, container wall(s) and a top of the container, or both. Thus, the one or more bioplastic junction pieces provide water-impermeable barriers at seams in the container where leakage is most likely to occur. The interior of the walls and the cover of the container are coated in one or more biodegradable, water-impermeable materials to ensure that fluid contained in the interior volume is not permitted to pass therethrough, while the resulting container as a whole remains compostable.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to, and the benefit of, co-pending U.S.Provisional Application No. 61/675,573, filed Jul. 25, 2012, for allsubject matter common to these applications. The disclosure of saidprovisional application is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to containers suitable for use withbeverages and foods. More particularly, the present invention relates toa container that, as a whole, is biodegradable and compostable, whilemaintaining a water-impermeable interior.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Pre-filled beverage or food containers (e.g., soda cans, canned soups,etc.) are sold in a wide variety of commercial settings and can containa wide variety of food contents. Pre-filled beverage or food containersoften must be water-impermeable for extended periods of time, duringwhich the containers may be shipped, sold, and/or stored all by multipleelements in the supply chain. For these and other reasons, the use ofwater-permeable materials like cardboard is limited to certain typesand/or designs of containers. Furthermore, to ensure that the interiorof such cardboard-based containers are water-impermeable, thesecardboard-based containers include coatings or layers (e.g., plastics,foils, etc.) that often render the container as a whole non-compostable.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, there is a need for a compostable, biodegradable containerthat maximizes visibility of water-permeable, biodegradable, andcompostable components without sacrificing the overallwater-impermeability of the container as a whole, or of the interiorvolume of the container in which fluids are stored. The presentinvention is directed toward solutions to address this and other needs,in addition to having other desirable characteristics that will beappreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentspecification.

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, afluid container can include a body having one or more walls defining aninterior volume. Each of the one or more walls can have an interior sidefacing the interior volume and an exterior side opposite the interiorside. A top can be disposed at a first end of the body. The top can havean interior side facing the interior volume and an exterior sideopposite the interior side. An aperture can pass completely through thetop between the exterior side of the top and the interior side of thetop forming a passage therethrough. A base can be disposed at a secondend of the body opposite the first end of the body. The base can have aninterior side facing the interior volume and an exterior side oppositethe interior side. A first bioplastic junction piece can couple the oneor more walls to the top along a first seam therebetween in such a wayas to prevent contents within the interior volume of the container fromdirectly contacting the one or more walls or the top along the firstseam. A second bioplastic junction piece can couple the one or morewalls to the base along a second seam therebetween in such a way as toprevent contents within the interior volume of the container fromdirectly contacting the one or more walls or the base along the secondseam. A cover can completely obstruct the aperture when in a sealedposition and expose the aperture when in an unsealed position. Abioplastic grommet can be disposed along the edge of the aperture and iscoupled to or integral with the cover in a sealable manner. One or morebiodegradable, water-impermeable coating materials can be disposed toform a lining on the interior side of the one or more walls and theinterior side of the top. The lining, the first bioplastic junctionpiece, and the second bioplastic junction piece can form barriers thatprevent contents disposed in the interior volume from making directcontact with the interior side of the one or more walls, the interiorside of the base, and the interior side of the top prior tobiodegradation. The body, the base, and the top can be constructed of awater-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable material.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention, the one or morebiodegradable, water-impermeable coating materials forming the liningcan be biodegradable in one or more first environmental conditions andwater-impermeable in one or more second environmental conditions. Theone or more first environmental conditions can include one or morecomposting or biodegradation conditions and the one or more secondenvironmental conditions can include one or more storage or usageconditions. The bioplastic grommet can be integral with or coupled tothe first bioplastic junction piece. The bioplastic grommet can beintegral with or coupled to the first bioplastic junction piece via oneor more trusses disposed against the interior side of the top. Thecontainer can be generally cylindrical in shape. The first bioplasticjunction piece can include a ring and the second bioplastic junctionpiece can include a disk. A perimeter of the grommet can besubstantially circular, substantially oval, substantially rectangular,substantially geometric, or substantially irregular in shape. The covercan include a repeated-use hinge cover or a single-use tear cover.

In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the firstbioplastic junction piece can include a first frame member coupled tothe base and a second frame member coupled to the one or more walls, andthe first frame member and the second frame member additionally can becoupled to each other. The first frame member and the second framemember can be permanently coupled to each other. The first frame memberand the second frame member can be welded together. The first framemember and the second frame member can be bonded together by an adhesivematerial.

In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, the secondbioplastic junction piece can include a first frame member coupled tothe top and a second frame member coupled to the one or more walls. Thefirst frame member and the second frame member additionally can becoupled to each other. The first frame member and the second framemember can be permanently coupled to each other. The first frame memberand the second frame member can be welded together. The first framemember and the second frame member can be bonded together by an adhesivematerial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

These and other characteristics of the present invention will be morefully understood by reference to the following detailed description inconjunction with the attached drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a container having a first bioplasticjunction piece and a second bioplastic junction piece, according to anexample embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 1, according toaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is cross-sectional view of the container of FIG. 1 along lineA-A, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a container, according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the container of FIG. 4, according toaspects of the present invention;

FIG. 6 is a side view of the container of FIG. 4 along one or moretrusses included therein, according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a lower end of a container having thesecond bioplastic junction piece formed of two or more component parts,according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the lower end of the container of FIG. 7,according to aspects of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a container having the first bioplasticjunction formed of two or more component parts, according to aspects ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 10 is a side view of the container of FIG. 9, according to aspectsof the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An illustrative embodiment of the present invention relates to acontainer adapted to hold beverages, other liquids, or other foodproducts. The container can be constructed entirely of a combination ofpaper or cardboard and biopolymers. Accordingly, an entirety of thecontainer is compostable and biodegradable. The container achieves anenvironmentally friendly “look and feel” by minimizing the amount ofbioplastic component parts that are visible and by maximizing thevisibility of component parts made of water-permeable, biodegradable,and compostable material(s) (e.g., cardboard), all while stillmaintaining structural integrity of the container and the ability of thecontainer to be filled, sealed, and also resealed. The containerincludes one or more bioplastic junction pieces that are shaped andpositioned to line and seal seams between container wall(s) and a baseof the container, container wall(s) and a top of the container, or both.In this way, the one or more bioplastic junction pieces providewater-impermeable barriers at seams in the container where leakage ismost likely to occur. The interior of the walls, the base, and the coverof the container can be coated in one or more biodegradable,water-impermeable materials to ensure that fluid contained in theinterior volume of the container is not permitted to soak through theone or more walls, the base, or the top of the container from theinside. Accordingly, in this way, the interior volume of the containercan be rendered water-impermeable, such that fluid contents areprevented from escaping from the container or being absorbed by thecontainer. Furthermore, despite the water-impermeability of thecontainer (e.g., from the inside), the container as a whole isbiodegradable and compostable.

The present description makes reference to the use of bioplastics aswell as various properties, including biodegradability andcompostability. As would be appreciated by one of skill in the art,bioplastics are derived from renewable raw materials like starch (e.g.corn, potato, tapioca, etc.), cellulose, soybean protein, lactic acid,and the like. They are not typically hazardous or toxic in productionand are able to decompose into materials such as carbon dioxide, water,and biomass when composted. Bioplastics generally can take differentlength of times to completely and fully compost, depending on theparticular material. Bioplastics conventionally are intended to becomposted in an industrial or commercial composting facility that isable to generate high composting temperatures for extended periods(e.g., between about 90-180 days in some instances).

The term “compostable” is intended to have its normal meaning, as wouldbe appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentspecification. For example, according to the American Society forTesting & Materials (ASTM), a bioplastic is compostable if it is capableof undergoing biological decomposition in a compost site as part of anavailable program, such that the plastic is not visually distinguishableand breaks down into carbon dioxide, water, inorganic compounds, andbiomass, at a rate consistent with known compostable materials (e.g.,cellulose) and if through the process of biological decomposition thebioplastic leaves no toxic residue. Furthermore, most existinginternational standards define “compostable” to include those materialscapable of biodegradation of about 60% within about 180 days (e.g., incombination with other criteria). In general, it will be appreciatedupon reading the present specification that for a plastic to becompostable, three criteria must be met: the plastic must be: (a)capable of biodegradation, e.g., the break-down into carbon dioxide,water, biomass at the same rate as cellulose or paper; (b) capable ofdisintegration, e.g., the material must be capable of becomingindistinguishable within the compost, such that it is not visible andneed not be screened out; and (c) non-eco-toxic, e.g., must not produceany toxic material, such that the resulting compost can support plantgrowth.

The amount of time required to compost can change depending on a varietyof factors. Commercial composting facilities tend to grind materialsbeing composted and agitate (e.g., stir, turn over, etc.) the resultingpiles while exposing the piles to high temperatures. This reduces theamount of time required for the materials to compost. However,composting rates at home composts can be significantly lower and canvary depending on how frequently the pile is agitated (e.g., stirred,turned over, etc.), the moisture of the pile, the contents of thematerials forming the pile, the temperature of the pile, and otherenvironmental conditions.

To be “biodegradable,” a bioplastic must be capable of degrading as aresult of naturally occurring microorganism(s), such as bacteria, fungi,and the like. However, unlike compostability, the quality of not leavingbehind a toxic residue is not a requirement for biodegradability.

Accordingly, the terms “biodegradability” and “compostability” generallyare intended to have their normal meanings and definitions, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentspecification.

FIGS. 1 through 10, wherein like parts are designated by like referencenumerals throughout, illustrate example embodiments of a fluid containeraccording to the present invention. Although the present invention willbe described with reference to the example embodiments illustrated inthe figures, it should be understood that many alternative forms canembody the present invention. One of skill in the art will additionallyappreciate different ways to alter the parameters of the embodimentsdisclosed, such as the size, shape, or type of elements or materials, ina manner still in keeping with the spirit and scope of the presentinvention.

FIG. 1 depicts a perspective view of a fluid container 10 according toan example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 further depictsthe container 10 of FIG. 1 from an exploded view. FIG. 3 depicts across-section of the container 10 along line A-A (shown in FIG. 1). Thecontainer 10 includes a body 12 having one or more walls defining aninterior volume 16. Each of the one or more walls has an interior sidefacing the interior volume 16 and an exterior side opposite the interiorside (i.e., facing away from the interior volume 16). The container 10further includes a base 18 disposed at an end thereof, and a top 20disposed at an opposite end thereof. The top 20 has an interior sidefacing the interior volume 16 and an exterior side opposite the interiorside (i.e., facing away from the interior volume 16).

An aperture 22 passes completely through the exterior side of the top 20and the interior side of the top 20. In this way, the aperture 22 formsa passage through the top 20, through which fluid may enter or exit theinterior volume 16 of the container 10. The container 10 furtherincludes a first bioplastic junction piece 24 disposed at a first end ofthe container 10 and a second bioplastic junction piece 26 disposed at asecond end of the container 10 opposite the first end. The firstbioplastic junction piece 24 couples the one or more walls to the base18 along a first seam 52 between the one or more walls and the base 18.The second bioplastic junction piece 26 couples the one or more walls tothe top 20 along a second seam 54 between the one or more walls and thetop 20. Furthermore, the second bioplastic junction piece 26 can includea surface (e.g., substantially flat in shape) extending between itsperimeter and across an entire area of the second bioplastic junctionpiece 26. The second bioplastic junction piece 26 thus forms a barrierthat protects the base 18 from contacting fluid contents in the interiorvolume 16 of the container 10.

Portions of the one or more walls, the base 18, or the top 20 covered bythe first or second bioplastic junction pieces 24, 26 are prevented fromcontacting fluid contents in the interior volume 16 of the container 10.In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the container 10includes a single wall that is generally cylindrical in shape.Accordingly, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the firstbioplastic junction piece 24 is a ring having a ‘U’-shaped cross-sectionadapted to receive an upper perimeter of the one or more walls.Additionally, in the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the secondbioplastic junction piece 26 is a disk with a lip having a ‘J’-shapedcross-section adapted to receive a lower perimeter of the one or morewalls.

The container 10 further includes a cover 28 adapted to assume a sealedposition (depicted in FIGS. 1 and 3) and an unsealed position (depictedin FIG. 2). In the sealed position, the cover 28 completely obstructsthe aperture 22, such that fluid in the body 12 is not permitted to exitthe container 10 through the aperture 22. In the unsealed position, thecover 28 either only partially obstructs or does not obstruct theaperture 22, thereby allowing fluid in the body 12 to exit the container10 through the aperture 22. A bioplastic grommet 30 is disposed at theedge of the aperture 22. The bioplastic grommet 30 is coupled to orintegral with the cover 28 in a sealable manner. Stated differently, thecover 28 is adapted to couple with or be integral with the bioplasticgrommet 30 in a manner enabling the cover 28 to seal the aperture 22.

The body 12, the base 18, and the top 20 are constructed of awater-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable material. For example,the body, the base 18, and the top 20 can be constructed of cardboard,any other cellulose-based material, or any other suitablewater-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable material. In someillustrative embodiments, the body 12, the base 18, and the top 20 areformed of a water-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable matercomprising cellulose, starch (e.g., corn, potato, tapioca, etc.), soyprotein, lactic acid, or the like. For purposes of the presentdescription, a container built using a substantially cellulose material(e.g., paper, cardboard, etc.) is described.

One or more biodegradable, water-impermeable coating materials can bedisposed on the interior side of the one or more walls, the interiorside of the base 18, and the interior side of the top 20. The one ormore biodegradable, water-impermeable coating materials can form awater-impermeable lining that, in combination with the first and secondbioplastic junction pieces 24, 26, creates a barrier that prevents water(or other liquid contents) disposed in the interior volume 16 of thecontainer 10 from making direct physical contact with the interior sideof the one or more walls, the interior side of the base 18, and theinterior side of the top 20. The can be beneficial, for example, inpreventing contents of the interior volume 16 from being absorbed by orfrom passing through the one or more walls of the body 12.

In the example embodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3, the aperture 22 isdisposed at an edge of the perimeter of the top 20. In this way, theaperture is disposed at a location suitable for engaging with the mouthof a user drinking from the container 10. It should be appreciated thatthe position of the aperture 22 is illustrative and in no way limiting.The aperture 22 alternatively may be located at any other suitableposition on the top 20, including (as a non-limiting example) at acenter of the top 20. In such embodiments, the aperture 22 may serve asa “fill hole” or guide hole in a method of manufacturing the container10, as would be appreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading thepresent specification.

In general, upon reading the present specification, one of skill in theart will appreciate a wide variety of suitable locations to place theaperture 22, the bioplastic grommet 30, and the cover 28. All suchalternatives and modifications are contemplated within the scope of thepresent invention. Furthermore, the aperture 22 and the cover 28 canassume any suitable shapes, including as non-limiting examplessubstantially oval, substantially rectangular, substantially geometric,or substantially irregular in shape. The bioplastic grommet 30 similarlymay have any suitable shape. As non-limiting examples, the perimeter ofthe bioplastic grommet 30 can be substantially oval, substantiallyrectangular, substantially geometric, or substantially irregular inshape.

The cover 28 can be coupled to or integral with the bioplastic grommet30 in a sealed manner. For example, the cover 28 can be a single-usetear cover constructed of plastic or foil and formed integral with orcoupled to the bioplastic grommet 30. In this way, the cover 28 can bemanufactured in the sealed position, and removed by a user partially orcompletely tearing the cover 28 off the bioplastic grommet 30 (e.g., bypulling on a tab extending from the cover 28). In this way, the cover 28can be reconfigured in the unsealed position during use. As yet anotherexample, the cover 28 can be a repeated-use hinge cover that ishingeably or pivotally coupled to the top 20. In accordance suchembodiments of the present invention, the cover 28 can be adapted to bereceived in a sealable and re-sealable manner by the bioplastic grommet30. Similarly, the cover 28 can be adapted to be released from thebioplastic grommet 30 (e.g., by a user pulling the cover 28 out from theaperture 22).

The bioplastic grommet 30 can include two bioplastic pieces 32 a, 32 bcoupled together or formed integral with one another. For example, thetwo bioplastic pieces 32 a, 32 b can be coupled together through theaperture 22 by adhesives, additional bioplastic material, or the like.Alternatively, the two bioplastic pieces 32 a, 32 b can be formedintegral through the aperture 22 by welding (e.g., heat welding,ultrasonic welding, etc.) the two bioplastic pieces 32 a, 32 b such thatthe materials of the two bioplastic pieces 32 a, 32 b flow together andset as a single grommet piece disposed around the edge of the aperture22. It should be appreciated that the examples of the bioplastic grommet30 described and depicted herein are illustrative and in no way limitthe present invention. In general, the bioplastic grommet 30 generallycan be any suitable grommet piece, as would be appreciated by one ofskill in the art upon reading the present specification.

In general, the one or more biodegradable, water-impermeable coatingmaterials (which forms the lining on the base 18, the top 20, and theone or more walls) can be biodegradable in one or more firstenvironmental conditions, such as standard biodegradation conditions orcomposting conditions, as would be appreciated by one of skill in theart. Furthermore, the one or more biodegradable, water-impermeablecoating materials can be water-impermeable in one or more secondenvironmental conditions, e.g., during conditions in which the container10 is being stored or used.

In an illustrative embodiment, the one or more biodegradable,water-impermeable coating materials forming the lining are made ofpolylactic acid (PLA). Alternatively, any other suitable biodegradable,water-impermeable coating materials can be utilized with the presentinvention, so long as the resulting container is compostable. Ingeneral, bioplastic components of the container 10 (e.g., the firstbioplastic junction piece 24, the second bioplastic junction piece 26,the bioplastic grommet 30, etc.) also can be made of PLA, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art. Alternatively, any othersuitable bioplastic material can be utilized to manufacture suchcomponents, so long as the desired biodegradability,water-impermeability, and compostability characteristics of theresulting container are maintained. The cover 28 generally can be madeof any suitable material. For example, the cover 28 can be constructedof a bioplastic (e.g., PLA), a foil (or other thin sheet of metal), awater-permeable material, or any other suitable material. In embodimentswhere the cover 28 is constructed of a water-permeable material, thecover 28 optionally may include a water-impermeable coating lining aninterior side thereof, such that the cover 28 is prevented fromabsorbing fluid contents of the container 10 that come into contact withthe cover 28.

In accordance with some alternative embodiments, the second bioplasticjunction piece 26 is ring-shaped rather than disk-shaped. For example,the second bioplastic junction piece 26 can be substantially similar inshape to the first bioplastic junction piece 24 of the exampleembodiment of FIGS. 1 through 3. In such embodiments where the secondbioplastic junction piece 26 is generally ring-shaped and does notextend across the interior of the ring, the interior side of the base 18may be coated with a water-impermeable coating to prevent direct contactbetween fluids contained in the container 10 and the base 18 (which inillustrative embodiments is constructed of a water-permeable material).Accordingly, coating the interior side of the base 18 in suchembodiments can assist in maintaining the water-impermeability of theinterior of the container 10. As just one non-limiting example, theinterior face of the base 18 may be coated with PLA or anotherbiopolymer, substantially as described previously herein with referenceto the coating on the interior side of the one or more walls:

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, theaperture 22 is positioned away from an edge of the perimeter of the top20. For example, FIG. 4 depicts a perspective view of the container 10having the aperture 22 located at the center of the top 20, inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5further depicts the container 10 of FIG. 4 from an exploded view, andFIG. 6 further depicts the container 10 of FIG. 4 from a cross-sectionalview along trusses 34. As shown in the example embodiment of FIGS. 4through 6, the cover 28 is a single-use tear cover that is permanentlycoupled to the piece 32 a disposed on the exterior side of the top 20.Additionally, the first bioplastic junction piece 24 is coupled to thepiece 32 b disposed on the interior side of the top 20. For example, twotrusses 34 can bridge the space between the first bioplastic junctionpiece 24 and the piece 32 b, providing additional structural support,especially for the aperture 22. As depicted, each of the trusses 34 hasa top profile that is generally rectangular in shape. Alternatively, thetrusses 34 may have any other suitable shape, as would be appreciated byone of skill in the art upon reading the present specification. In theexample embodiment of FIGS. 4 through 6, in which the first bioplasticjunction piece 24 is a ring, the trusses 34 are disposed at locationsaround the ring spaced apart by 180 degrees. Alternatively, the trusses34 may be located at any other suitable position, as would beappreciated by one of skill in the art upon reading the presentspecification. Furthermore, although only two trusses 34 are depicted inthe example embodiment of FIGS. 4 through 6, more or less trusses 34 canbe included.

In accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, the secondbioplastic junction piece 26 includes two or more component parts. Forexample, FIGS. 7 and 8 depict an exploded view and a cross-sectionalview, respectively, of a lower end of the container 10 having the secondbioplastic junction piece 26 formed of two or more component parts,according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown,the second bioplastic junction piece 26 can include a first frame member36 coupled to the base 18 and a second frame member 38 coupled to theone or more walls. The first frame member 36 and the second frame member38 additionally are coupled to each other. For example, the first framemember 36 and the second frame member 38 can be permanently coupled toeach other. In some embodiments, the first frame member 36 and thesecond frame member 38 are welded together (e.g., by ultrasonic weldingor heat welding) or bonded together by an adhesive material.

As described previously herein, in embodiments such as that depicted inFIGS. 7 and 8 wherein the second bioplastic junction piece 26 issubstantially ring-shaped, both the interior side and the exterior sideof the base 18 may be coated with one or more biodegradable,water-impermeable coating materials (e.g., PLA, etc.). Accordingly, insuch embodiments, one or more biodegradable, water-impermeable coatingmaterials (e.g., PLA, etc.) can be disposed on (a) the interior side ofthe base 18, (b) the interior side of the top 20, and (c) the interiorsides of the one or more walls. This forms a water-impermeable liningthat, in combination with the cover 28 and the first and secondbioplastic junction pieces 24, 26, creates a barrier preventing water(or other liquid contents) disposed internal to the container 10 frombeing absorbed by the one or more walls, the base 18, and/or the top 20.

The structure of FIGS. 7 and 8 additionally or alternatively can beimplemented for the first bioplastic junction piece 24. For example,FIGS. 9 and 10 depict an exploded view and a cross-sectional view,respectively, of an upper end of the container 10 having the firstbioplastic junction piece 24 including the first frame member 36 and thesecond frame member 38. As depicted, the top 20 can be coupled to thefirst frame member 36, and the one or more walls (at the upper perimeterthereof) can be coupled to the second frame member 38. The piece 32 b ofthe bioplastic grommet 30 can be coupled to the second frame member 38of the first bioplastic junction piece 24, as illustrated.

In general, the exterior sides of the base 18, the top 20, and the oneor more walls can also be coated with one or more biodegradable,water-impermeable coating materials (e.g., PLA, etc.). The one or morebiodegradable, water-impermeable coating materials can form awater-impermeable lining that, in combination with the cover 28 and thefirst and second bioplastic junction pieces 24, 26, creates a barrierthat prevents water (or other liquid contents) disposed external to thecontainer 10 from being absorbed by the one or more walls, the base 18,or the top 20. This can be beneficial, for example, in preventing thecontainer 10 from becoming sodden or soggy, e.g., when placed in a wetenvironment such as a cooler or other container of ice.

Notably, the container 10 according to embodiments of the presentinvention can be constructed entirely of compostable and biodegradablecomponents. Furthermore, in illustrative embodiments, the amount ofvisible PLA or other bioplastics is small, thereby allowing thecontainer 10 to achieve an environmentally friendly appearance withoutsacrificing the ability of the container 10 as whole to remainwater-impermeable during use.

Numerous modifications and alternative embodiments of the presentinvention will be apparent to those skilled in the art in view of theforegoing description. Accordingly, this description is to be construedas illustrative only and is for the purpose of teaching those skilled inthe art the best mode for carrying out the present invention. Details ofthe structure may vary substantially without departing from the spiritof the present invention, and exclusive use of all modifications thatcome within the scope of the appended claims is reserved. It is intendedthat the present invention be limited only to the extent required by theappended claims and the applicable rules of law.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are to cover allgeneric and specific features of the invention described herein, and allstatements of the scope of the invention which, as a matter of language,might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A fluid container, comprising: a body having oneor more walls defining an interior volume, each of the one or more wallshaving an interior side facing the interior volume and an exterior sideopposite the interior side; a top disposed at a first end of the body,the top having an interior side facing the interior volume and anexterior side opposite the interior side; a base disposed at a secondend of the body, the base having an interior side facing the interiorvolume and an exterior side opposite the interior side; an aperturepassing completely through the top between the exterior side of the topand the interior side of the top forming a passage therethrough; a firstbioplastic junction piece coupling the one or more walls to the topalong a first seam therebetween in such a way as to prevent contentswithin the interior volume of the container from directly contacting theone or more walls or the top along the first seam; a second bioplasticjunction piece coupling the one or more walls to the base along a secondseam therebetween in such a way as to prevent contents within theinterior volume of the container from directly contacting the one ormore walls or the base along the second seam; a cover completelyobstructing the aperture when in a sealed position and exposing theaperture when in an unsealed position; a bioplastic grommet disposedalong an edge of the aperture, and coupled to or integral with the coverin a sealable manner; and one or more biodegradable, water-impermeablecoating materials disposed to form a lining on the interior side of theone or more walls and the interior side of the top; wherein the lining,the first bioplastic junction piece, and the second bioplastic junctionpiece form barriers that prevent contents disposed in the interiorvolume from making direct contact with the interior side of the one ormore walls, the interior side of the base, and the interior side of thetop prior to biodegradation; and wherein the body, the base, and the topare constructed of a water-permeable, biodegradable, and compostablematerial.
 2. The container of claim 1, wherein the one or morebiodegradable, water-impermeable coating materials forming the liningare biodegradable in one or more first environmental conditions andwater-impermeable in one or more second environmental conditions.
 3. Thecontainer of claim 2, wherein the one or more first environmentalconditions comprising one or more composting or biodegradationconditions and the one or more second environmental conditions compriseone or more storage or usage conditions.
 4. The container of claim 1,wherein the water-permeable, biodegradable, and compostable material ofwhich the body, the base, and the cover are formed comprises cellulose.5. The container of claim 1, wherein the bioplastic grommet is integralwith or coupled to the first bioplastic junction piece.
 6. The containerof claim 5, wherein the bioplastic grommet is integral with or coupledto the first bioplastic junction piece via one or more trusses disposedagainst the interior side of the top.
 7. The container of claim 1,wherein the second bioplastic junction piece includes a first framemember coupled to the top and a second frame member coupled to the oneor more walls, the first frame member and the second frame member beingadditionally coupled to each other.
 8. The container of claim 7, whereinthe first frame member and the second frame member are permanentlycoupled to each other.
 9. The container of claim 7, wherein the firstframe member and the second frame member are heat welded together. 10.The container of claim 7, wherein the first frame member and the secondframe member are bonded together by an adhesive material.
 11. Thecontainer of claim 1, wherein the first bioplastic junction pieceincludes a first frame member coupled to the base and a second framemember coupled to the one or more walls, the first frame member and thesecond frame member being additionally coupled to each other.
 12. Thecontainer of claim 11, wherein the first frame member and the secondframe member are permanently coupled to each other.
 13. The container ofclaim 11, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member areheat welded together.
 14. The container of claim 11, wherein the firstframe member and the second frame member are bonded together by anadhesive material.
 15. The container of claim 1, wherein the containeris generally cylindrical in shape, and wherein the first bioplasticjunction piece comprises a ring and the second bioplastic junction piececomprises a disk.
 16. The container of claim 1, wherein a perimeter ofthe bioplastic grommet is substantially circular, substantially oval,substantially rectangular, substantially geometric, or substantiallyirregular in shape.
 17. The container of claim 1, wherein the covercomprises a repeated-use hinge cover or a single-use tear cover.